Founding Blackfoot member Rickey Medlocke put his longstanding Southern rock band to rest in 1997 to dedicate all his time to Lynyrd Skynyrd, but back in 2004 some of the other classic members decided to give the band another go without Medlocke, resulting in a revolving door of personnel that lasted until 2012. At that time, Medlocke decided to reform Blackfoot, this time with a completely new line-up, as he took on a producer & songwriter role instead this time around and allowing the new guns to carry on the torch. As for the previous members? They regrouped under the name Fired Guns, and since have taken to calling themselves Warrior's Pride, and while Medlocke oversees Blackfoot now from a distance, he continues to perform and record with Lynyrd Skynyrd. Sound confusing? Such is the life of a Southern Rock band!
Those expecting Southern Native to sound anything like vintage Blackfoot can stop reading right now. Rick Krasowski (vocals, guitar), Brian Carpenter (bass, vocals), Tim Rossi (guitar, vocals), and Matt Anastasi (drums, vocals), along with Medlocke's help, have put together a solid modern Southern Rock album here that's not all that far removed from current acts like A Thousand Horses, Whiskey Myers, and Blackberry Smoke. "Everyman" has definite crossover potential with its slight country/pop feel, and rootsy rockers "Call of a Hero", "Need My Ride" and the title cut are all accessible tunes with catchy hooks and lots of six string action. "Take Me Home" brings to mind the vintage sounds of Blackfoot, Skynyrd, and Molly Hatchet, as does the kick ass "Whiskey Train", easily the most rocking song here and containing plenty of guitar firepower, including Medlocke joining in on the fun. "Satisfied Man" is a crunchy Southern boogie, while the bands heavier take on the CSN&Y classic "Ohio" is well done and a lot of fun. Medlocke's sizzling slide guitar pops up on the hard rocking "Love This Town", while both the acoustic & electric skills of the band show up on the dazzling instrumental "Diablo Loves Guitar".
I know there are going to be plenty of folks who question why this band is being called Blackfoot, but don't let that stop you from checking out what is otherwise a very solid, enjoyable collection of modern Southern rock songs that occasionally dips into the vintage '70s vibe. Check 'em out on tour where they will be playing some of these alongside a batch of old Blackfoot classics.
See more about this release on our recent YouTube show!
Track Listing
1) Need My Ride
2) Southern Native
3) Everyman
4) Call of a Hero
5) Take Me Home
6) Whiskey Train
7) Satisfied Man
8) Ohio
9) Love This Town
10) Diablo Loves Guitar
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